Spain: Hermoso files criminal complaint over Rubiales kiss

Spain's football star Jenni Hermoso filed a criminal complaint over the unsolicited kiss by federation boss Luis Rubiales after Spain won the Women's World Cup, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The complaint, which was filed on Tuesday, enables prosecutors to launch a preliminary investigation on possible charges of sexual assault. The complaint will be processed "as soon as possible", the prosecutor added.

The lawsuit could entail criminal charges against Rubiales, in addition to ongoing investigations by Spain's top sports court into "serious misconduct" and an investigation by world football's governing body FIFA, which has provisionally suspended Rubiales.

What happened after World Cup final?

Rubiales grabbed Hermoso's head and kissed her on the lips during the medal ceremony that followed Spain's 1-0 win over England in the final of the Women's World Cup in Australia on August 20.

Hermoso later said the unwanted kiss had left her feeling "vulnerable and like the victim of an assault," with a statement on social media describing it as "an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part." 

Rubiales, who has so far refused to resign despite heavy pressure, said the kiss was "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual."

Late last month, the prosecutor for Spain's High Court said Rubiales could face a sexual assault charge, which can carry a prison term of between one and four years, if Hermoso were to file a complaint.

Hermoso now plays for Mexican club Pachuca after a long career with top Spanish and European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.

dh/msh (AFP, AP, Reuters)